Days passed by after the game, and our lives went back to normal. For me, it revolved around practice and classes, then my most favorite part of the day, going home. It's been two months since Hannah and I became an item, and I have never been happier. Waking up every morning felt like magic, and even when I have the same routine at home with my mom, I actually felt it was a lot lighter now compared to before.
I went out of my room after saying my morning prayers and as usual, I found a note on the fridge. Mom left a note on the things I would need - my lunch, pocket money for school. We lived like this for four years now, and I have gotten used to the set-up. She leaves early for work, in a bank. Reading her note once again, I sat down for a moment.
Mom never lived with me until junior high. I stayed with my uncles, her brothers, and they were the ones who really taught me how to become a man. They were my father figures, and while I was with them I never wondered who my real father was. They showed me love, maybe more than a parent can give. It's not that I am not grateful for my parents, but just that I never felt their presence in my early life.
When I had to study in the city for my secondary education, I was forced to live with her. Rather, Uncle Matthew had to force her to take me in. At first, I felt weird and uncomfortable but then remembering the things my uncles instilled in me that no matter what happens, I will never have to be angry with mom made me stay. There were things that my mother had to suffer alone, and knowing them made me think that maybe I could use some of my young understanding to be able to live with her. Even when she introduced me to her co-workers as her nephew, I took time to understand it the way I am supposed to as a young man.
I smiled as I looked back from where I was and I realized that I am nevertheless happy. My mom is here, even when we don't have that typical son and mother moment, at least I know she is doing good. And I am happy too, because there is someone who really makes me feel so.
'Geoff,' she said as we walked home that afternoon. I turned to look at her.
'Yes? What is it?' I asked.
'Dad told me earlier that he wants to meet you,' she replied.
At that moment, I didn't know what to feel. I wanted to melt but I wanted to see him too. Hannah must have heard me take a deep breath while I was thinking erratically and gave out a hearty laugh.
'Hey, it's just Dad. There's nothing to worry about,' she said. 'He won't bite you.'
I looked at her and in my nervousness I gave out a shy laugh. What came through me was the literal meaning of what she just said. I laughed realizing what it was. I felt an adrenaline rush as if I was playing a game, and my mind was agitated. But Hannah's gentle squeeze made me calm.
'Don't worry. He will just meet you. I mean, he just wanted to know that young man who brings me home safe and sound after school,' she said.
We arrived at their home, and my heart was truly racing the moment she opened the gate. It was my first time to really set foot inside and I was as nervous as I could ever be. Getting in, I saw a mini garden where a lot of pretty flowers bloomed and a tiny dog barked and ran the moment the mutt saw Hannah. She picked it up and the little fella was licking the back of her hand.
'Hi, Chewy! Are you okay? Oh, meet Geoff,' she said as I waved my hand to the puppy. It then barked at me and wagged its tail. He was a maltese, so he was kinda hairy and looked really cute. On the other side of their lawn was a four-piece outdoor iron table set where her dad was.
'Hi dad,' Hannah greeted him, gave him a bow then went beside him. He smiled and in his soft voice, he asked us if we had our snacks. She replied yes then proceeded to introduce me.
'Dad, this is Geoff,' she said, as I bowed to him.
'Hello, Mr. Lee,' I said when I stood still and looked at him with lowered eyes. He smiled gently, and when I saw that crescent shape on his eyes, it was undeniable that he was Hannah's dad. I smiled back at him.
'Honey, can you get us something to drink while we talk?' he said, then she followed suit. He then asked me to sit down across from him.
'You know, you look familiar. I think I saw you somewhere,' he said, and I swear my heartbeat increased rapidly.
Is he pulling something off me?
I smiled nervously and replied. 'I'm not so sure sir. I just transferred this year to the neighborhood.'
He nodded and asked me some other things, presumably getting me acquainted and feeling relaxed in his presence.
'What made you stay here?' he asked.
'Oh, Seoul City High offered me an athletic scholarship for soccer, sir. ,' I replied. 'And my mom was also assigned here for work.'
'What does your mom do?' he asked.
'She's a banker, sir,' I replied. I thought I sparked an interest in him when he took off his glasses and looked at me once more. It felt creepy, but I tried to dismiss it.
'May I know who your mom is?' he asked.
'Matilda Kim, sir.'
The moment I said that name, I saw his face fluster and his reaction change.